Question

A patient is presenting with an orthostatic blood pressure of 80/40 when she stands up, thready and weak pulse of 58, and shallow respirations. In addition, the patient has been having frequent episodes of vomiting and nausea and is taking hydrochlorothiazide. Which of the following findings would explain the patient's condition?

A. Potassium level of 7.0
B. Potassium level of 3.5
C. Potassium level of 2.4
D. None of the options are correct

Answer 1

The patient's symptoms can be explained by dehydration and the use of a diuretic medication. Adjusting fluid intake or the medication can help improve the condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient's orthostatic hypotension, thready and weak pulse, and shallow respirations can be explained by the fact that the patient is experiencing dehydration and taking hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic that affects fluid balance. Both dehydration and diuretics can cause hypovolemia, leading to low blood volume and inadequate sympathetic reflex. Increasing fluid intake or adjusting the medication can help alleviate the symptoms.